Make every sleep a safe sleep

is in their own bassinet, cot or other baby bed – free from adults or children who might accidentally suffocate them

has a parent/caregiver who is alert to their needs and free from alcohol or drugs

Make sure your baby's bed is safe. Your baby's bed:

has a firm and flat mattress – to keep baby's airways open

has no gaps between the frame and the mattress – that could trap or wedge baby

has nothing in the bed that might cover baby's face or lift their head – no pillows, toys, loose bedding or bumper pads

is close to their parents/caregivers at night for the first 6 months of life

Make sure your baby is healthy and strong. Your baby is:

smokefree in pregnancy and after birth – protecting their lungs and airways

exclusively breastfed to around 6 months of age and continues to be breastfed to 12 months of age

immunised on time

Your lead maternity carer (LMC) will check baby's sleep space for safety at their scheduled first home visit after baby's birth. They'll enter the information in the 'First week assessment' page of your 'My health book'. (Click on the image to the right).

If you choose to sleep in bed with your baby, put them in their own baby bed beside you – for example, a pēpi-pod® (below left) or wahakura (below right). This will help reduce the risk of your baby suffocating while they are asleep.

It is never safe to put your baby to sleep in an adult bed, on a couch or on a chair.

Car seats or capsules protect your baby when travelling in the car. Don’t use them as a cot or bassinet. Car seats and capsules are not safe for your baby to sleep in when you are at home or at your destination.

If you need financial assistance so that baby can have their own bed, you may be eligible for help from Work and Income. For more information visit the Work and Income website or call 0800 559 009.

Protect your baby's head shape

When your baby is sleeping, turn their head so that sometimes they face left and sometimes they face right.

Tummy time while baby is awake will help protect their head shape and make their arms strong.

Quitline

TAHA Well Pacific Mother and Infant Service

TAHA means 'one' in a number of Pacific languages. TAHA believes the first year of life (and the 9 months leading up to it) is critical and that the health of both mother and infant is determined by what goes on in their lives before baby turns one.

Keeping kids safe - children's and nursery products

When buying and using products in which your child will sleep, think about whether they will be able to sleep safely and in a safe position. This pamphlet explains safety standards and safety considerations.